Important Announcement to the Campus Community

September 22, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 3:15 p.m.

More than 100 of the 150 students who were displaced from Bica-Ross Residence Hall due to a broken sprinkler head that flooded parts of the building early Thursday morning are being permitted to return to their respective rooms, according to John Frazier, dean of students. Residents of the first and second floors of the northeast wing of the building will continue to use alternative housing as restoration efforts in that part of the building continue. Students who need assistance or have questions are encouraged to contact the student affairs office at (330) 823-2243.

Thursday, September 18, 4:20 a.m.

The 150 residents of Bica-Ross Residence Hall were displaced shortly after midnight Thursday due to a broken sprinkler head on the second floor that discharged an extensive amount of water to the first and second floors of the northeast wing of the building.

The Hoover-Price Campus Center was open all night to serve as a gathering spot for the students. Most of the residents opted to stay with friends in other residence halls or small houses while more than 40 residents were provided temporary housing in area motels. College physical plant and security workers have been on site throughout the night and an outside company will be assisting in the cleanup.

The two classrooms in the building will also be closed temporarily and classes that were scheduled to meet there will be relocated on Thursday.

“We are still investigating the situation,” John Frazier, dean of students, said. “Although it is too early to tell, we are optimistic that this will be a short term inconvenience for most of the residents. We are urging students who need access to the building to contact the student affairs office.”

According to Dr. Richard Giese, president of the College, the spirit of cooperation throughout the campus has been outstanding. “Many of our staff have been up all night working on behalf of the students, and the student attitudes have been exemplary.”